Northern California shows mixed results in working to reduce tobacco use

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TAHOE/TRUCKEE, Calif. - While California again falls short in adequately funding tobacco prevention programs, Northern California cities and counties show mixed results, according to American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control 2013 reports. The national report tracks progress on key tobacco control policies at the federal and state levels, assigning grades based on whether laws are adequately protecting citizens from the enormous toll tobacco use takes on lives and the economy.

In conjunction with the national report, the American Lung Association in California released its State of Tobacco Control 2013 - California Local Grades, which issues grades for all cities and counties in California on local tobacco control policies including those for smoke-free outdoor environments, smoke-free housing, and reducing sales of tobacco products. To view the complete California report visit www.lung.org/california.

Davis received the highest grade in the region with an overall tobacco control grade of B, while Sacramento received an overall C grade. In addition, the municipalities of Redding, Chico, and Orland made advances in protecting their residents from secondhand smoke by restricting smoking in multi-unit housing common areas and in outdoor areas. Grades were mixed throughout, highlighting the need for local officials to do more to protect Northern California residents from tobacco-caused death and disease.

"Cities and counties in California have always led the way with strong tobacco control policies, and that continues to this day," said Stephanie Yoder, chair of the Leadership Board of the American Lung Association in California - Sacramento. "Safeguarding our communities from the negative consequences of tobacco is essential. These grades represent tangible lives and real health outcomes."

Once a national leader in tobacco control policies, California's efforts are now lagging. While the state earned an A grade for smoke-free air policies, it received a D for its low cigarette tax, an F for failing to adequately fund tobacco prevention and control programs, and another F for poor coverage of smoking cessation and treatment services.

Exacerbating California's weakened position on tobacco prevention, the state has not increased its cigarette tax since 1999 and now ranks 33rd in the country at 87 cents per pack, compared to the U.S. average of $1.48 per pack. States including Texas, Oklahoma and Montana now have higher tobacco taxes than California.

Although California receives $68 million in tobacco-related revenue annually, it spends 15 percent of what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends to adequately fund tobacco prevention programs and services to help people quit smoking.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, the failure of states to invest in policies and programs to reduce tobacco use has resulted in 3 million new youth smokers in the United States. Every year in California, 34,400 kids start smoking while tobacco use causes an estimated 37,000 deaths annually and costs the state's economy more than $18 billion in healthcare costs and lost productivity.

About the American Lung Association

Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lung.org/california.